Buyers Checklist

Buying a new home is a big step, and may seem intimidating at first. However, a long journey is made up of small steps. This step by step plan will act as a guide:

There are many options for home loans nowadays. It pays to shop around and seek the best loan for your purposes. Contact your financier or Blue-Chip Realty Pty Limited, for advice on the best options.

Settle on finance and have your loan approved in advance.

Think about where you want to live and how much space you need. Make a list!

Make another list of necessary and preferred requirements of your new home.

Look out for sale prices in your preferred area. Go to auctions and inspections.

Contact a Blue Chip Realty Pty Limited. By developing a relationship with you we can offer you additional advice and alert you to new listings before a marketing campaign starts.

When a property matches your requirements, have your agent send a copy of the sale contract to your legal representative.

The perfect house in the wrong environment won't be perfect for long! Be prepared to have at least two inspections of the property, at different times to check for noise, traffic and such.

Ask the seller for all details of Strata, Council and Water rates. Don't forget to include these in your budget calculations.

Ensure all sewage connections are shown for on the contract diagram.

If necessary book a building inspection, pest report and a survey report.

Make an informed decision. Consider your Solicitor or conveyancer's advice on the sale contract and study the building and pest reports. If you are satisfied, make an offer on the property through the agent.

Once a price is settled, you will need to sign the sale contract and lodge a ten percent deposit. The deposit will be held in a trust account until settlement. (Any interest is equally divided between you and the seller). The seller will sign their sale contract and the legal representative or agent will exchange the contracts.

After a purchase is negotiated a buyer can pay a non-binding holding deposit to hold the property in good faith. The balance of the 10 per cent deposit is payable on exchange of contracts.

Your lender will need to approve the property. When approval has been gained, your legal representative will exchange contracts.

Building insurance is needed to protect you and satisfy your lender.

Plan your move by booking a removalist on a date after you take possession.

Stamp duty should be paid to your solicitor before settlement.

When you know the date you will take possession, arrange for phone, power and gas connections. Don't forget contents insurance!

When you take possession your legal representative may require a pre-settlement inspection before hand, to ensure that the property is in the same condition of your last inspection, and that everything is as agreed (Fittings etc). Also check previous owners/tenants have vacated.